Clinical Psychology

David W. McMillan, PhD.

Why consult me?

I love the people who see me. Since I have over thirty-five years experience, people who come to see me usually work through their issues in a few sessions. The reason people spend less time in therapy with me is because I listen carefully but I am more than a potted plant. I participate actively in the session. When I’m not seeing people, I write. Because I have written a great deal about the psychotherapy experience, I offer opportunities to read, develop new skills and practice what you are learning between sessions.

My Practice

I have a general practice. I especially enjoy working with complex systems, couples, families, businesses and court-related problems. Often people come to see me to work on relationships. Since I have written two books on the subject and I work constantly on my marriage to Marietta Shipley, I can be helpful as people think with me about their important relationships.

My Professional History

My years as a psychologist have provided me with a wide range of professional experiences as a Kennedy Center Scientist at Vanderbilt, as the clinical director of an eating disorder program, as a co-director of a program for domestic violence, as a teacher at Fisk University and an adjunct faculty member at Vanderbilt University. I have been a part of a team teaching mediation training at Lipscomb University. I have consulted with corporations and small businesses. I have played the role of coach/facilitator on a professional team with divorcing clients, attorneys, a financial consultant and sometimes a child development specialist. I often consult with attorneys and their clients in divorce and the courts in other ways.

My Approach to Consultation

As a therapist, I consider myself more of a coach than an analyst. I don’t believe I know the secret to life. I consider myself as learning from my personal journey as well as the therapeutic journey we take together. I think I may learn as much from your work as you do from me. I respect you as the ultimate authority of your thoughts, experience and feelings. I feel fortunate to have participated in this learning, growing process with so many people.

My Staff

I know I have accomplished one great thing in my professional life. I hired and have worked with Gloria Ebarb as my office manager for eighteen years. Gloria takes care of all of the details of my practice. I come to work every day and do what she tells me to do next.

My Writings

For those of you interested in my writings. I have published two books. They can be purchased on Amazon or from my office. I have written other books that are for sale on this website and I have available for free the academic articles I have published as a community psychologist.